Mindstorms' Next Generation

davey23sol writes: "MSNBC has a 2.0 review of Lego Mindstorms here. Looks like they have put in an easier programming system for users, touch and light sensors, and some other stuff. The transmitters for the infrared transmitters are now USB instead of serial, too. The new system will be $200, and if you have Mindstorms now the upgrade will just be $20. It should all be available this month. I can't wait to get one (never got around to getting my Mindstorms kit)." This review may not go into $200 worth of depth, so I look forward to more detailed reader reviews (and more pictures) when this is widely available :)

Comments

I remember Legos

[UltraBot2K1]

I must've had thousands of those things when I was a kid. I don't think they had the fancy computer-controlled blocks back then, but I had a lot of fun with them, anyway. I can remember spending entire days building intricate cities out of legos, only to destroy them in a matter of minutes. I learned a lot from legos too! Legos teach mechanical and spacial reasoning, and encourage imagination.

The only thing that worries me, is that Legos don't seem to encourage social interaction. Out of all my fond childhood memories involving Legos, I can't seem to remember any involving other kids. Maybe that's why so many of today's generation of geeks are lacking in basic social skills. It's a shame that Lego can't come up with some sort of toy that involves group play, and encourages the development of social bonds. The benefit of this could potentially affect millions of our nation's children. Maybe I'll write a letter to Lego and share my suggestions with them. Imagine what would be different today if Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold had been taught basic social skills, instead of their imaginations being allowed to spiral down dangerous and self-destructive paths.

Killsaw Hits

[codepunk]

Can they take a hit from a Killsaw? Ok people it is time to grow up and build something a little more destructive. Lego's are for kids, real bots are welded together.

Re:Robo-gf!

[dankjones]

MMMMMMMMMMM.... Beowulf Clusterfuck.